We, the
members of Elliott’s family, have been discussing some new options
for the Elliott Smith Memorial Fund, and we have an exciting new development
that we wanted all of you to know about. We’ve raised quite a
bit of money, thanks to generous donations from so many of you, in Elliott’s
name. All money raised thus far has gone to Free
Arts for Abused Children. We’ve raised over $50,000, (quite
possibly a LOT more than that, we’re waiting on some tallies from
the organization,) and we decided that there are tons of other very
worthy causes that we’d like you to know about, and possibly choose
as well.

“Outside
In” is a Portland-based not-for-profit organization aimed
at helping homeless Portland youth. The organization provides all kinds
of very important support, such as housing, medical clinics, a needle-exchange
program, transgender/sexual identity services, and scholarships, among
other things, for street kids. According to their website, 80% of homeless
youth who go through their transitional housing program never return
to the streets. Think about that statistic- this organization is changing
kids’ lives in the biggest way possible- taking them off the streets
and getting them started on a new, safe path through support and love.
We think this organization will really benefit from our donations, and
we invite you to check Outside In out for yourself. Their website is
outsidein.org.

We feel
that this organization is a good fit for Elliott’s fund for a
number of reasons. Elliott was vocal about helping abused kids, and
those are largely the population that Outside In serves, though it is
not a requirement. Outside In hits close to home- their facilities are
actually RIGHT across the street from Lincoln High School, where Elliott
went to school. Finally, Elliott knew of Outside In and had actually
agreed to do a benefit for their needle-exchange program. Sadly, he
never got the chance, but now we have an opportunity to give to this
organization is his name.

The Elliott
Smith Memorial Fund will continue to support Free
Arts for Abused Children, as we believe this is a great organization
that does great things for so many kids, but we also encourage donors
to “spread the wealth” and consider choosing Outside
In for your next donation. The choice is yours!

Here’s
how it works:

You, (or
your group/organization/event,) decide to donate to the Elliott Smith
Memorial Fund. (a huge THANK YOU, by the way… we know that many
of Elliott’s fans are young and don’t have much money to
speak of, and the smallest of donations really touch our hearts, knowing
that someone sacrificed buying a CD or a t-shirt or DINNER that night
to send the check…)

You CHOOSE
which organization to send your money to.

(Free
Arts or Outside In.) 100%
of your money goes directly to the charity you choose, as has always
been the case.

Make your
check out directly to “Outside
In”, and make sure to put “Elliott Smith Memorial Fund”
in the MEMO field of your check. (If you forget, and follow the procedure
we’ve been doing with Free Arts, they can also cash the checks
if you make them out to “Outside In/Elliott Smith Memorial Fund”.
The first method is preferable, however.)

We hope
all of you are doing well and staying safe, happy, and healthy. Thank
you for making Elliott’s music, and now his legacy, a part of
your life. He did so many good things while he was here, and this fund
is an extension of that spirit, embodied in all of you. Our deepest
gratitude, along with the gratitude of the kids your money is helping,
goes out to each and every one of you. Take care.